DID Diddy Do It? will explore the sickening allegations levelled against the rap mogul, aiming to “give a voice to the voiceless”.
Here we take a look at the life and career of Alex Stapleton, the filmmaker behind the upcoming Netflix docuseries.
Alex Stapleton attending the world premiere of How Music Got Free on March 09, 2024 in Austin, Texas[/caption]
Who is Alex Stapleton?
Alex Stapleton is an Emmy award-winning American documentary filmmaker, director, showrunner and executive producer.
She is a proud member of the Directors Guild of America, serving on the National Board and co-chairing the recently formed Documentary Committee.
Her passion for filmmaking was evident from a young age.
Stapleton grew up watching a diverse range of films, including B-movies and works by directors like John Waters, which influenced her future career path.
At around 19, Stapleton made the bold decision to drop out of school to pursue her dream of becoming a filmmaker.
During this period she read Roger Corman’s autobiography, which sparked her interest in the legendary filmmaker’s career and impact on the industry.
Career beginnings
Stapleton’s journey in the film industry began as an additional crew member on the 2004 film The Assassination of Richard Nixon.
Prior to directing her first feature documentary, she had a successful career making commercials in New York, providing her with valuable industry experience and connections.
Stapleton’s breakthrough came in 2011 with her directorial debut about one of the filmmakers who inspired her to make movies — Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel.
Notable films
Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel (2011)
This feature documentary explores the life and career of film producer Roger Corman.
Premiering at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, it features interviews with industry giants including Jack Nicholson, Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard.
Hello, Privilege. It’s Me, Chelsea (2019)
Stapleton directed and executive produced this Netflix documentary following Chelsea Handler as she examines the concept of white privilege in American culture.
Pride (2021)
As executive producer and showrunner, Stapleton helmed this FX documentary miniseries chronicling the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the US from the 1950s through the 2000s.
Reggie (2023)
Stapleton directed this critically acclaimed documentary about baseball legend Reggie Jackson, released on Amazon Prime.
Alex Stapleton has won multiple awards, including an Emmy[/caption]
God Save Texas (2024)
HBO docuseries episode directed by Stapleton, focusing on the energy industry’s impact on her family in Houston, Texas.
How Music Got Free (2024)
Stapleton’ released a’s two-part documentary series based on Stephen Witt’s book How Music Got Free: The End of an Industry, the Turn of the Century, and the Patient Zero of Piracy.
The series explores the revolutionary changes in the music industry brought about by the invention of the MP3 format and the rise of digital piracy.
Awards and nominations
Stapleton’s work has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career:
Her upcoming docuseries Did Diddy Do It? doesn’t have a release date yet[/caption]
- Emmy Award Winner for SoCal Connected (PBS/KCET) in 2017
- GLAAD Media Award Nominee for Pride (FX) in 2022
- Gotham Independent Film Award Nominee for Pride (FX) in 2021
- NAACP Image Award Nominee for Shut Up and Dribble (Showtime) in 2019
- Camera d’Or Award Nominee for Corman’s World (A&E) at Cannes Film Festival in 2011
- Critics Choice Award Nominee for Reggie”(Amazon Prime) in 2023
- International Documentary Award Nominee for Reggie (Amazon Prime) in 2023
Diddy Do It?
One of Stapleton’s most anticipated upcoming projects is Diddy Do It?, a documentary series for Netflix exploring the allegations against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The series will focus on the allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, sexual assault and violent abuse against the Bad Boy Records founder.
Stapleton is directing the series, with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson serving as executive producer through his G-Unit Films and Television — the production company’s behind the highly successful Power franchise.
Beginning with the original show Power, which aired from 2014 to 2020, 50 Cent’s Power universe follows James “Ghost” St Patrick, a drug dealer striving to transition into legitimate business.
Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson is the executive producer of Did Diddy Do It?[/caption]
In March 2024, 50 Cent announced a new prequel series titled Power: Origins, focusing on the younger versions of Ghost and his hot-headed partner Tommy.
Did Diddy Do It? is a collaboration between House of Nonfiction, Texas Crew Productions and Netflix.
In an exclusive statement to Variety, Stapleton and Jackson said: “This is a story with significant human impact.
“It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far”.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives.
“While the allegations are disturbing, we urge all to remember that Sean Combs’s story is not the full story of hip-hop and its culture”.
The documentary aims to provide a comprehensive look at the accusations, Combs’ responses and the broader implications for the music industry.
As of October 9, 2024, there is no set release date for this docuseries, as it only went into production in September.
